The term witch comes from the Old English word wicca, which is derived from the Germanic root wic, meaning to bend or to turn. By using magic, a witch can change or bend events. Today, the word witch can be applied to a man or a woman. In the past, male witches were also called warlocks and wizards The word witch conjures up all sorts of images in our minds from the warty witch portrayed in many films or the fun witches in bewitched and practical magic, most people get frightened when you tell them you do magic spells etc that's because of the fear generated in our psyche about the negative side of the craft. Many women were put to death in the burning times just for being healers or midwives and many innocent people were put to death out of ignorance, this fear still lives on in the 21st century and in some parts of the world you can still be imprisoned for witchcraft.
Most people I know that practice the craft are animal lovers, help the community and respect nature, at one point I had to change the courses I was teaching to Earth Magic so I would not offend certain people in the community but now I run witchcraft courses as I make no excuses for what i do.
Below is a spell I wrote to encourage birds and wildlife into my garden, so bring a little magic into your life everyday and above all have fun.
Moon cycle for doing your spell FULL
A packet of bird seed
Clear quartz crystal
Lavender oil
A small bell
On a Sunday between the hours of 10pm and 12 midnight go outside into your garden, terrace or whatever space you have and focus on the space being filled with life from butterflies to birds and bees.
Ring your bell three times
Say these words out loud
Birds, Bees and Butterflies
Fairies, elves and gnome
You are welcome in my garden
To set up hearth and home!
HARMING NONE, MY SPELLS BEGUN.
Sprinkle some lavender around the garden and place the birdseed somewhere safe for the birds and out of the local cats way. Place the crystal in the ground near a shrub or tree.
You have created some magical energy in your garden, watch over the coming months to see if new energy or an increase in wildlife comes your way.